Story perspectives

Navy halts public release of sailors' service histories

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Navy has stopped publicly releasing individual sailors’ service histories, ending a decades-old practice.
Rear Admiral John Robinson announced Thursday that all public biographical data for commanding officers is removed.
Captain Candice Thresh said the blackout now covers all sailors and officers, limiting status confirmation to high-public-interest requests.
Attorney Floyd Abrams condemned the policy as inconsistent with the First Amendment, noting scholars say it overrides FOIA precedents.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. Navy has stopped publicly releasing individual sailors’ service histories, ending a decades-old practice.
Rear Admiral John Robinson announced Thursday that all public biographical data for commanding officers is removed.
Captain Candice Thresh said the blackout now covers all sailors and officers, limiting status confirmation to high-public-interest requests.
Attorney Floyd Abrams condemned the policy as inconsistent with the First Amendment, noting scholars say it overrides FOIA precedents.